How compact is too compact for an SUV? Is there a point where an economically friendly car becomes a bit too economically friendly? These are all questions critics and buyers have posed when encountering the 2020 Ford EcoSport. Here is a compact Ford SUV that is possibly the smallest in a lineup filled with titans like the three-row Ford Explorer, or the at least modestly larger Ford Escape. That said, the Ford EcoSport was developed to cater to a line of drivers who want something that can navigate both city streets and mountain highways.
While the 2020 Ford EcoSport will unlikely win any awards as the most talented off-roader, or most fuel efficient model in the Ford lineup, it does manage to beat out it’s competition and pack a lot into a small SUV. Affordable, with a small but powerful engine, and a size that suggests a benefit of being able to slip into tight parallel parking spots or down narrow alleyways, the 2020 Ford EcoSport is a great model in the Ford family lineup.
Presentation is Everything
Affordability is a big deal for plenty of drivers nowadays. For one, new cars can be expensive, and for the first-time driver, college student, or parent on a budget, the price can mean the difference between a yes and a no. The 2020 Ford EcoSport seems to be developed to better guarantee Ford a ‘yes’ from those who value performance but want a low price tag. Now, that’s not to say that the Ford EcoSport is a low-budget car, there is still plenty to love about this spunky little compact SUV, but the low-low entry-price of $19,995 MSRP is great for those looking to save some money.
The 2020 Ford EcoSport comes in one of four different trim levels: the S, SE, Titanium, and SES. When it comes to appearances, the 2020 Ford EcoSport looks like a crunched up version of other Ford SUV models, with its somewhat boxy design, and large front grille. Small is a reality for the 2020 EcoSport, as drivers will only get to utilize 161” of length and 70” of width. With a ground clearance of 7.8 inches, the Ford EcoSport has some potential for going off-road. In truth, the Ford EcoSport is more suited to being on pavement and in the city than out venturing the off-road trails of Moab, Utah, or Joshua Tree in California. However, on some lighter trails, the EcoSport will perform well.
Small Performance in a Tiny Package
Considering the size of the Ford EcoSport, one shouldn’t expect a particularly beefy engine. That’s not to say that performance in the EcoSport is bad though. With how small the crossover is, you won’t exactly need a ton of horsepower; however, the 2020 EcoSport performs well against its competitors. With the entry-level model, drivers will get a 1.0L EcoBoost and a 6-speed automatic transmission that puts out 123-horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. With this model, drivers can only get front-wheel drive.
If you put this against one of the EcoSports biggest competitors, the 2020 Nissan Kicks, the EcoSport dominates. The Nissan Kicks has only one engine choice, a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that gets up to 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. When you add in the EcoSports second engine, the Nissan Kicks can’t even compete.
The second engine offering on the Ford EcoSport is a 2.0L Ti-VCT engine that gets up to 166 horsepower and 149 lb-ft of torque. Not bad for a small crossover. To top it all off, this engine comes with Ford’s intelligent four-wheel drive. This drivetrain optimizes for performance to handle whatever terrain the EcoSport might encounter like snow, mud, gravel, and hills.
The Ford EcoSport condenses some seriously compact performance into a car that deserves a little more horsepower and torque attention. When equipped with the 1.0L engine, the EcoSport can still tow up to 1,400 lbs, but, with the 2.0L Ti-VCT engine, it can tow up to 2,000 lbs. Definitely not bad for a small crossover.
The Ford EcoSport gets great fuel economy as well. With its 1.0L engine, the EcoSport has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway with 28 MPG combined. The fuel economy of the 2.0L engine is 23 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG.
A Small Yet Well-Delivered Interior
Move inside the 2020 Ford EcoSport, and what you’ll find is a cabin that is small in size, but plentiful in amenities. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find just 20.9 cubic feet of cargo room, but, with the rear seats folded flat, that cargo capacity increases to 50 cubic feet.
The Ford EcoSport does take advantage of soft-touch plastics, and durable cloth upholstery in its base models. Although, if you want something a little more premium, such as genuine leather, you’ll need to upgrade to the Titanium trim.
What about auto tech? Well, this is a huge question for drivers nowadays, and while the base model of the Ford EcoSport isn’t exactly a technology juggernaut, higher trims manage to make up for this. The entry-level EcoSport comes with the basics, such as air-conditioning, a Bluetooth connective stereo system, and two USB ports. Should you spend a bit of extra money on the base model, you can enjoy remote start as well. The SE model bumps things up a bit, with satellite radio available, as well as a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and automatic climate control. Optional upgrades include a bigger touchscreen, which is an easy buy considering the price for the EcoSport is still quite affordable even on higher trims. All the way up at the Titanium level, the infotainment touchscreen gets even bigger and gets Apple CarPlay and Android Audio integration. A Bang and Olufsen audio system is packed inside this crossover SUV as well, giving you some seriously premium sound.
While we would have liked to have seen a few more safety features packed into the 2020 Ford EcoSport, it still has plenty to go around. Depending on the trim, it includes a reverse sensing system, BLIS with a cross-traffic alert, a rear view camera, rain-sensing wipers, and an SOS post-crash alert system. While not packed to the brim with safety features, this model will still keep you safe in the event of a crash.
Should You or Should You Not Buy the 2020 Ford EcoSport?
The 2020 Ford EcoSport is definitely a great choice for drivers on a budget or drivers who want a small crossover that can get them to work and to a campsite. With the Ford EcoSport, you won’t have to pay top-dollar to get some incredible features you won’t find on the competition like a powerful engine and a B&O sound system. While the EcoSport could pack in a couple more safety features, for the price and the luxury amenities, you’ll be getting a fantastic vehicle.
